Samoan sailor Vaimooia Ripley has spoken of her participation in her first world sailing event in Oman in the Middle East and its benefits for her as a sailor.

Not new to competing in regional events such as the Pacific Games, Ms. Ripley said the 29 November to 6 December 2021 International Laser Class Association (Radials) Women's World Championship was an eye opener.

She said the eight-day event was  hosted by the Oman Maritime Sports Committee at the Barcelo Hotel and was her first world sailing event representing Samoa in the women’s Laser Radials otherwise known as International Laser Class Association 6.

"I’ve represented Samoa previously in sailing in Oceania regattas and regional events such as the Pacific Games but nothing of this size or scale before," Ms. Ripley told the Samoa Observer on Thursday.

"To arrive in Oman was a massive challenge given the current COVID-19 environment. 

To leave home I had to quarantine in Auckland for two weeks, travel to Sydney and from there fly 14 hours to Qatar before finally arriving in the Sultanate of Oman."

Ms. Ripley personally funded most of her trip’s cost to Oman and also received support from World Sailing's Emerging Nations Programme together with the support of her family and friends in Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.

She said that she stayed in Sydney for six days leading up to the event and received coaching from the world radial great grand master champion, Jeff Loosemore of the Middle Harbour Amateur Sailing Club (M.H.A.S.C) and was able to use their club boat and facility for free.

"I really appreciate the support from M.H.A.S.C. before arriving in Oman, as they went above and beyond to ensure I didn’t come into the Worlds totally fresh,” she said.

“They even helped guide me how to stick numbers to the sail – which we have never had to do in Samoa as the sails are 14 years old.

"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to compete at the Worlds as it has not only given me the chance to share my beautiful country with Oman (most commonly asked question ‘where is Samoa’).

“But I have seen first-hand elite level sailing and have a real indicator of how my skills stack up in comparison."

For each race day during the tournament in Oman, the Samoan sailor set small goals for herself and indicated that she was able to keep up with the fleet.

"And I am really pleased that I was able to stay up with the fleet and start and complete each race without any penalties," she said.

"I must admit that it was a bit tricky doing my first Worlds on my own. 

“Not having that extra bit of support was challenging, but the beauty of free wifi at the hotel meant family and friends were only a video call away for moral support."

Acknowledging the support of the Apia Yacht Club, Ms. Ripley said it was where she started her sailing journey. 

"Sailing is a great sport and teaches us so many important life skills, such as water confidence and safety," she said.

"There are also pathways and development opportunities, for example Elizabeth Rasch who was selected to compete in the 2021 ILCA Youth World Championships, but unfortunately she was unable to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions."